PLUMBING
F.O.Gs
Fats, Oils & Greases (F.O.Gs) do NOT breakdown and disappear in the in the sewer or treatment works and do not mix with water. When wastes that contain F.O.Gs are disposed of in a standard sewer without treatment, the fatty F.O.G portion of the water stream can float to the surface and solidify, causing clogging.
The improper disposal of F.O.G waste causes harm to the Environment as pipes that are clogged with F.O.G can overflow and allow hazardous liquid waste into the environment with no regulation.
RAGGING
When you flush wet wipes, sanitary items or nappies down the toilet, you run the risk of creating a plumbing problem called “Ragging”. This is when debris like those explained above is get caught up with each other in the pipes’ creating slow drainage issues and can completely clog drains.
MISSING CONNECTIONS
Every UK home has 2 wastewater drains. 1 takes the surface water from the roads and gardens straight to the sea. The other one collects ALL household effluent from sinks, toilets, washing machines etc and takes it to the water treatment works.
If your plumber, or yourself connects your home to the wrong sewage pipe, the raw effluent is free to flow directly into the sea. In many parts of the world, sewage water is discharged in the Oceans either untreated or under treated.
HOW DOES THIS EFFECT US LOCALLY?
Water quality at designated bathing sites in England is assessed by the Environments Agency. Annual ratings rank each site as Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor – based on measurements taken over a period of up to 4 Years.
The bacteria the Environments Agency test for are Intestinal Enterococci (IE) and Escherichia (EC). Enterococci are found in Human faeces and cause sickness and diarrhoea if concentrations are to high.